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Windows and doors play key roles in universal design

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"Ultimately, universal design takes into consideration the need for buildings to keep pace with changing lifestyles and needs as occupants grow older. Pella designs window and door solutions to accommodate a variety of those needs to make life easier."

Gary Mathes
Manager, Residential Architectural Support Services
Pella Corporation

What is universal design?

By definition, universal design is "the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design."

• Universal design is a concept based on the theory that homes and businesses should best serve the people who live and work in them. It recognizes the diversity in people and their varying abilities. And it takes into consideration occupational and physical therapy, architecture, human physiology and building to provide practical ideas for good design.
• Universal design principles make a building safer and more comfortable for people of all ages.
• According to an American Association for Retired Persons (AARP) housing survey, 83 percent of older Americans want to stay in their current homes for the rest of their lives.
• Universal design will allow a person to live independently in a new home for up to 10 to 20 years longer.
• It's estimated that the additional cost for incorporating universal design into a new project is a five to seven percent increase in new building costs.
• According to Smart Homeowner magazine, "One of the best things about universal design is that you can incorporate only those principles that you need or will need in the near future. And if those needs change, there is sure to be a product or principle that can be easily added."

Universal design principles

Examples of specific universal design features that make everyday tasks more manageable for anyone include:

• Entrances with no steps that make it easier to enter the building from the outside whether walking, using a walker or riding in a wheelchair.
• Wider doorways that are easier to enter, enhance interior circulation and add a more spacious feel.
• Lever door handles (instead of door knobs) that are easier to open by anyone.
• Single-lever controls on faucets that are easier to operate, and make adjustments of water temperature and volume simple.
• Light switches and electrical receptacles located at a height that is easier to reach by those with limited mobility and by young children who can't easily reach the light switch mounted at a typical height.
• Grab bars in bathrooms that make it easier for people of all ages to use toilets and showers.

Incorporating universal design into windows and door options

Take a critical look at your windows and doors today with an eye to the future. As you're replacing products or building or remodeling, the goal is to select properly functioning products that will meet your needs for years down the road. And as an added benefit, simple adjustments and precautions taken now can help prevent one-third of all accidents.

• Doorways and hallways should be a minimum of 36 inches wide.
• Place doors so there are 18-24 inches on the door handle side for space to maneuver while opening and closing doors.
• Door thresholds should be no more than a half-inch high above the adjacent floor, or if you prefer, install mini-ramps or transition wedges.
• Make sure door locks are sturdy yet easy to operate — consider a keyless locking system for maximum convenience.
• Consider a pocket door if you don't have the floor space necessary for a hinged door.
• It's a good idea to have a front door with a view panel to make it easy to see who's arrived at your door.
• For added privacy on sidelights and patio doors, consider options like the cordless between-the-glass blinds and shades on Pella's Designer Series® sidelight collection so that you can enjoy a view and still conveniently cover the opening at desired times.
• Make sure windows are easy to unlock, open, close, lock, and clean.
• For greater safety and convenience, select double-hung windows which tilt in for easy cleaning, or casement units which open with the maximum clearance to allow easy cleaning of both the exterior and interior glass surfaces from inside the building.
• Choose windows and doors that require minimal maintenance.

Applying universal design to Pella windows and doors

Pella products are designed to make your life easier. Here are a few examples:

• New Designer Series® products feature cordless between-glass window fashions such as fabric cellular shades or stylish blinds and removable grilles. Between-glass options are especially beneficial for universal design projects because:
  • Design versatility is expanded
  • Blinds and shades are protected from dust, germs and damage
  • Building owners save on cleaning and maintenance
  • Comfort and environmental control is enhanced
  • There are no shade cords presenting hazards for children or pets
• For easy cleaning of casement and awning windows, Pella's sash moves toward the center of the frame a full 4 inches, wider than most standard casements, making it easier to clean exterior glass from inside the building.
• For double-hung windows, Pella's tilt-to-clean sash makes cleaning safer and easier.
• Interior and exterior glass can be easily cleaned from inside the building.
• A standard feature on all Pella casement and awning windows is an integrated crank with fold-away handle which improves operation and aesthetics and won't interfere with roomside window treatments.
• Casements and awnings also feature a unison style lock that allows engagement of two locking points with one easy-to-grasp handle.
• Pella hinged doors offer multi-point locking systems that can be engaged or disengaged from one easy-to-reach lever handle, no need to reach high or bend low.
• Pella hinged doors also provide options for 1/2 inch high sills and 32 inch clear opening widths that allow for easy wheelchair accessibility.
• Many Pella products meet ENERGY STAR® standards, helping to reduce rising energy costs. Save the most you can with windows that offer low U-values, superior insulating qualities and double- and triple-paned glazing options for maximum energy efficiency.
• Aluminum-clad exteriors provide durable window exteriors that resist fading, chalking and corrosion to help keep a building's exterior virtually maintenance free.
• Fiberglass or steel entry door systems are dent and rust resistant and provide the opportunity to paint or stain to match your decor. Fiberglass doors feature subtle graining options to capture the look of wood without the added maintenance, another plus for building owners seeking longevity in windows and doors.

Universal design for new construction or remodeling

Universal design applies not only to new construction but also to remodeling projects. Pella has a team of experts ready to assist on project challenges. Pella's Architectural Support Services Design Group of architects, engineers, technicians and CAD design drafters helps develop window and door solutions that meet the customer's design intent while reducing the risks associated with complex and custom window and door installations. Proper installation of windows and doors are vital to enhance energy efficiency and deliver the best overall performance of the building and products featured in it.

Remember, the concept behind universal design is to make life easier. Phase in universal design elements as your needs and lifestyle changes and as remodeling, replacement or new construction opportunities arise.

Further questions? Contact your local Pella® Window & Door Showroom or call 888-847-3552 or visit www.pella.com or www.pellacommercial.com.

For additional information, visit the following Web sites:

• American Association of Retired Persons: www.aarp.org/universalhome/
• National Resource Center on Supportive Housing and Home Modification: www.homemods.org
• North Carolina State University: www.ncsu.edu/design/cud/

Sources:

• The Iowa Program for Assistive Technology, a program of the Center for Disabilities and Development, University of Iowa Health Care
• Center for Universal Design, North Carolina State University
• American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)

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